All posts by h716a5.icu

Tottenham Hotspur's relationship with Sporting CP has been long withstanding.

After all, one of their defensive stalwarts Eric Dier was poached from the Portuguese outfit back in 2014, whilst more recently Pedro Porro has been another top import from the Lions.

However, what chairman Daniel Levy could seek to pull this summer would be unprecedented, flexing their financial muscles to devastate one of the Liga Primeira powerhouses with a remarkable double swoop.

An outlet from within the country, Record (as per Sport Witness), is now suggesting that there are fears within the club that Ruben Amorim is preparing for a north London switch at the conclusion of this season, worrying the club's hierarchy.

Whilst this alone would be a hammer blow, other rumours persist that suggest Spurs are also keen on signing their top midfielder Manuel Ugarte, further compounding their misery.

Should they first tempt the 38-year-old, surely his love of the Uruguayan destroyer would marry perfectly with Spurs' long-held interest in the 22-year-old, tempting both to make a surprise move together.

In one fell swoop, Levy could be set to finally get his sinking ship back on track.

Having been in need of a new manager since late March, and also in need of powerhouse alternatives since Rodrigo Bentancur's injury in February, at last, there seems a solution to these woes.

Would Manuel Ugarte be a success at Spurs?

Given the success earned by their current Uruguay midfield general, outlined in the 7.21 average rating earned before undergoing surgery, there is no reason to believe that the man with a €60m (£52m) price tag could not achieve similar success.

After all, his presence at the base of the engine room has proved profitable for Amorim since his emergence.

The Portuguese boss has often preferred a three-at-the-back system whilst with Sporting but relies heavily on these centre-backs to stride forward and break the lines. This is where Ugarte shines, as his ability to accept the ball under pressure and keep a move flowing is imperative in their successful progression up the field.

As such, he boasts a 7.04 average rating for this season, underpinned by a phenomenal 91% pass accuracy and 3.9 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Such defensive proficiency has led writer Dave Hendrick to hail him as a "ball-winning machine" and an "absolute monster" for his age, with all of his progression overseen under Amorim's leadership.

Should the two move together, the hope would be that this coach – once branded "the most exciting young manager in European football" by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke – could quickly instil his ideas onto the Lilywhites' current squad to get them firing with immediacy.

Having someone like Ugarte join alongside him, who is already well-versed in his methods, could help ease that transition, whilst the young boss can continue aiding his rapid rise to the top with further evolution.

It could be the perfect marriage to move both of these to north London at the same time, so Levy must look to form this monstrous partnership heading into pre-season.

The Federation of International Cricketers Association has said players across the globe remain insecure when it comes to providing information related to corruption to the anti-corruption units of the various member boards

Nagraj Gollapudi13-Jun-2016Despite the ICC’s strong reassurances in the wake of former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum calling the anti-corruption unit (ACU) “casual”, the Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) has said players across the globe remain insecure when it comes to providing information related to corruption to the anti-corruption units of the various member boards.While delivering the MCC Spirit of Cricket lecture recently, McCullum, who had provided evidence against former team-mate Chris Cairns in a perjury case at the Southwark Crown Court last year, had revealed how he had reported two approaches by Cairns to a member of the ICC’s ACU; the official took the information on a piece of paper, McCullum said, and told him it would end up at the “bottom of the file”. Cairns was acquitted of all charges in the case.According to Tony Irish, FICA’s chief executive, players were concerned about the manner in which “sensitive information” provided by them was treated by the anti-corruption units of various member countries. “There is a degree of nervousness generally among players who report, around how that information will be used. Brendon’s experience doesn’t help with that,” Irish told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s a question often asked by players during anti-corruption education sessions run by players’ associations at the domestic level.”According to Irish, the protocols around how player statements were dealt with by both the ICC and the ACU in various member countries was an issue on which FICA wanted focus. “From a collective point of view we want to ensure that any sensitive information provided to authorities by players is protected, and that the various protocols and procedures in place provide adequate protections to players, in particular to whistle blowers,” Irish said. “Protecting clean athletes effectively is a critical aspect of ensuring that corruption is stamped out.”McCullum’s first sitting with the ICC’s ACU, when he was bewildered by the anti-corruption official’s approach, had taken place at the start of the 2011 World Cup. In 2014, when he sat with the ACU to record a much more elaborate statement, once again he was left stunned when his statements were published by an English newspaper. “How can the game’s governing body expect players to co-operate with it when it is then responsible for leaking confidential statements to the media?” McCullum said during his speech.Responding to McCullum’s remarks, the ICC said it was not responsible for the leaks, and that the episode had provided an opportunity for the ACU to review its processes. The ICC also said it was committed to “gain and retain the complete trust” of players. Irish said it was important for the ICC’s ACU and the anti-corruption units in various countries to keep the FICA and players’ associations in the loop.”The best results will always be achieved when players are part of and buy into regulations, rules and protocols that affect them,” Irish said. “Everyone needs to be in this fight together. We have been pushing to formalise the relationship with the ACU for some time, and we will continue to do so, as we think that this is vital to achieving good outcomes globally.”By ensuring that player representatives are able to have input into operating procedures (including those related to how player evidence and statements are dealt with), protocols and regulations, it will help to build and develop trust and confidence.”

Tottenham Hotspur have now informed Barcelona that they want to sign Clement Lenglet on a permanent basis in the upcoming transfer window, according to recent reports from Spain.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Back in February, it was reported that Tottenham wanted to sign two new centre-backs in the summer, and they have now started to run the rule over potential options, recently being linked with a move for AS Roma's Roger Ibanez.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is another option for Spurs, however his current club are set to demand £65m to sanction his departure, which is £20m more than chairman Daniel Levy is willing to spend on the 22-year-old.

The same report also details that enquires have been made about Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres, with the Lilywhites keen to bring in someone to replace both Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez.

Not only are Tottenham looking at new options, but they are also keen to keep Lenglet at the club on a permanent basis, according to recent reports from Spain. (via Sport Witness)

Spurs are said to have already informed Barcelona that they intend to sign the Frenchman in the summer, with the La Liga club set to demand a fee in the region of €15m – €20m (£13.1m – £17.5m)

The Lilywhites have been satisfied with the 27-year-old's performances this season, and it is now down to the club's hierarchy to convince him to commit to a permanent move to north London.

Should Tottenham sign Clement Lenglet?

In truth, the whole Tottenham defence has been disappointing this season, so much so that Sanchez and Emerson Royal have been tipped for exits by journalist Alex Crook, while pundit Gabby Agbonlahor was shocked by reports to potentially offer Dier a new deal.

Even Cristian Romero has not been immune from criticism, with journalist Charlie Eccleshare claiming the Argentine was "caught out" for both goals Spurs conceded against Aston Villa on Saturday, and Lenglet has also disappointed.

Despite being lauded as "superb" by the media earlier in the campaign, the 15-time France international has been underwhelming during his loan spell, recording a lower average WhoScored match rating than Dier, Davies and Romero in the Premier League.

It is very disappointing that Spurs appear to be keen on signing Lenglet, as his performances this season have not merited a permanent move, and they should look at options from elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur are on course to end the 2022/23 campaign without a trophy or a permanent manager after another difficult year for the club.

They started the season with former Premier League-winning manager Antonio Conte at the helm but are ending it with Ryan Mason as the caretaker boss for the second time, after interim Cristian Stellini was relieved of his duties.

Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy now faces the huge task of appointing a manager to finally bring success back to north London as they have not won a single major trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008.

They have won one major honour in the 21st century and they could change that by nailing the summer transfer window and their next managerial appointment to give themselves a chance in the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest on Luciano Spalletti to Tottenham?

One manager who is reportedly in the running for the job, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galletti, is current Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti, who is said to be being monitored by Spurs heading into the summer.

The Italian boss' contract with the Serie A title winners is due to expire in June and the report claimed that there are doubts over whether or not he will extend his stay in Naples.

Other reports suggest that an extension will be offered, though the club are yet to officially announce any details, further raising uncertainty in the short term.

This could hand Levy a huge opportunity to swoop for him and the Tottenham chairman could finally bring winning ways back to the club by appointing the 64-year-old.

Would Spalletti bring success to Spurs?

Journalist Josh Bunting recently claimed that the tactician "has always had the credentials to lead a team to success" after he secured the Serie A title with Napoli and this is backed up by his record elsewhere.

Spalletti won two Italian Cups with Roma and four trophies, including two league titles with Zenit Saint Petersburg during his time in Russia, which shows that he knows how to get teams over the line in both cup competitions and domestic leagues.

The experienced boss, who was once dubbed a "genius" by journalist Mina Rzouki, also plays an exciting brand of football.

Opta and Flashscore journalist Owuraku Ampofo has also described his style of football as "scintillating" and playing in this way could get the supporters on board and give them something to believe in, which could then provide Spalletti with the time he needs to build a squad capable of implementing his tactics.

The veteran manager has also proven himself to be able to end a long-term trophy drought at a club as his title success this season ended Napoli's 33-year wait for a Scudetto, which bodes well for his chances of repeating the same with Spurs.

Glasgow Rangers are 13 points off the top of the Scottish Premiership and have already been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions and Europe heading into the final month of the campaign.

It has been a disappointing season for the Light Blues as Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Michael Beale have both failed, barring a sensational collapse from their Old Firm rivals in the final five games, to bring home a trophy.

Planning has already begun to right the wrongs in 2023/24 and one player who appears set to be on his way to Ibrox in the summer is attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell.

The Daily Record recently claimed that the Englishman will sign a three-year deal with the Scottish giants upon the expiry of his contract with Norwich City this summer, after already passing a medical.

Who is Kieran Dowell?

The £25k-per-week gem is a midfielder who can play out wide, as a number eight or in the hole behind the striker, and has been playing in the Championship for the Canaries this season.

Beale could now repeat the trick he played with Todd Cantwell, who arrived from Norwich in January and also plays in the attacking midfield positions, by bringing in the 25-year-old's former teammate.

Since joining in the winter window, Cantwell has caught the eye with a string of impressive performances in the Premiership.

The English dynamo has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.33 and chipped in with two goals and four assists in ten starts, after failing to produce a single goal or assist in nine Championship starts for Dean Smith in the first half of the campaign.

How has Kieran Dowell performed this season?

The Canaries no.10 has had more success in the second tier of English football than Cantwell this term.

The 25-year-old has scored five goals and assisted three, whilst creating six 'big chances', in just 14 starts for the Yellows, which shows that the mercurial playmaker has the quality to be a goalscoring threat while also consistently creating chances for his teammates.

Dowell, who was once hailed for his "beautiful technique" by journalist Josh Bunting, has provided 23 key passes in the Championship and could – like Cantwell – be an exceptional option for Beale to call upon in the Premiership.

His former Norwich teammate has already taken to the Scottish top-flight like a duck to water and that bodes well for the chances of Dowell translating his impressive form over to Scotland next season.

Therefore, the Gers head coach could repeat the masterclass he played in securing Cantwell's signature in January by swooping to sign the former Everton academy graduate to bolster his attacking options this summer.

Arsenal have it all to do tonight, as they travel to Manchester City in the hopes they can pull off what would be a miracle.

Having led the way in the chase for the Premier League title, recent slip-ups have allowed Pep Guardiola's side to creep into the driving seat, with their clash at the Etihad expected to only extend that lead further. However, should Mikel Arteta pull off the unthinkable and claim victory, it would blow the title race wide open once again.

With just six games left for the Gunners, nothing less than six wins will be enough to topple the reigning champions.

As aforementioned, those three draws in their last three games have somewhat derailed a league campaign that had been largely faultless beforehand. The latter of the results, against West Ham United and Southampton, sting particularly so.

They should be sweeping aside these relegation-battling teams, yet perhaps a mentality issue is creating a barrier for this team that are admittedly inexperienced when it comes to such a venture.

In an effort to calm everyone down and reclaim some control in the engine room with Granit Xhaka's expected absence, perhaps Jorginho deserves a start given his pedigree and intangible qualities.

Will Jorginho start vs Manchester City?

Given Guardiola once tried to sign the Italian for his side, it is clear just how highly the Spaniard rates the 31-year-old.

Therefore, it will not be a big boost for the tactician to see that their usual Swiss maestro is a doubt given the strength of his replacement. Not only is the former Chelsea powerhouse a calm presence on the ball, but he has experience that few others in the travelling dressing room will boast given his stacked trophy cabinet with the Blues.

Having only moved to the Emirates in January, the "classy" conductor – as branded by journalist Dan George – has been reduced to more of a cameo role by Arteta despite a strong start.

Averaging just 65 minutes per game across the season, the £110k-per-week star retains two tackles per game and an 86% pass accuracy that outlines what he can bring to the table, via Sofascore. Screening a back four that has looked unstable of late could be crucial in quelling Erling Haaland, who everyone is likely petrified of facing Rob Holding.

Once dubbed a "midfield general" by talkSPORT commentator Ian Abrahams, Jorginho will have to use every ounce of his quality to ensure Arsenal gain a positive result on the road.

Winning this evening would really shake up what many now see as a foregone conclusion, but a loss would likely end all hopes of a first league title since 2004.

Tottenham Hotspur need to get their next appointment right. For too long a club of their size has languished far away from the major honours, leading to widespread ridicule from rival fans. They should be fighting for silverware every season, yet far too often they find their campaign ended in January as they exit both cups.

However, one pitfall they cannot afford to fall into again is to hire someone to fulfil that sole purpose. Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho were born winners and had done so at every club before joining the Lilywhites. It just feels like the foundations are not in place for such a consistent assault for trophies quite yet.

Therefore, Daniel Levy could perhaps divert his attention away from these ageing mercenaries whose best days are behind them, and instead opt for someone who can lead them into the future.

Whilst Mauricio Pochettino had done so in his early stint in north London, leading them up the Premier League table and into a Champions League final, his potential return would mark a similar blunder as their recent hires.

The Argentine has only struggled since his sacking, ultimately being given the boot by PSG too, and many could argue he too fits into that category of coaches whose best days are behind them.

Therefore, of the manager list that is ever-changing, Vincent Kompany should be the outstanding candidate for where they seek to go in the future.

How is Vincent Kompany's managerial philosophy?

Having already secured promotion with his Burnley side, the rapidity with which he turned the relegated Clarets around was astounding. Joining from Anderlecht, few knew how the Belgian would manage as the squad was purged upon their exit from the top division.

Chairman Alan Pace had admitted that there was a three-year plan in place for their promotion back, but the "magic" that his appointment has worked shocked even him.

Another issue that plagued him was the play style, which many thought they knew well: they will lump it long, feed off the second balls and look to dominate in the air.

Kompany wasted no time in rewriting this script. Maintaining a 4-4-2 shape, much of the 37-year-old's philosophy was born through Pep Guardiola's tutelage. As what is essentially the antithesis to that aforementioned Burnley stereotype, suddenly short and sharp passes were exchanged to progress them up the Turf Moor field.

Patience is key for the former Manchester City defender, but a high press is even more imperative in maintaining a stranglehold on every game his teams partake in.

This enthralling style has seen them hit 91 points already in the Championship, having scored 78 times in 41 games and conceding just 30. They are both the top scorers and have conceded the least in the division.

With an identity crisis of sorts going on at Spurs, as the turgid and pragmatic football that promised trophies continues to falter, perhaps a return to the form of those early days under Pochettino could help them recapture what made the club so special.

However, they must do so without relying on relics of the past, and instead betting on the future to lead them to glory.

Chelsea are still in the race to sign Brighton and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister this summer, according to a new transfer report.

Could Mac Allister leave this summer?

The Seagulls star has become something of a household name in recent times, having arrived at the Amex Stadium back in 2019 as more of an unknown. While he impressed last season, he has gone up another level this time around, proving to be one of his side's most important players.

Making up a strong midfield with the likes of Moises Caicedo and Pascal Gross, Mac Allister has started 25 of Brighton's Premier League games and scored eight goals along the way, as well as chipping in with one assist. Not only that, but he has also become a World Cup winner after Argentina's memorable success in Qatar late last year, in which he was an influential player, starting six of his country's seven matches.

Various recent rumours have suggested that Mac Allister could depart the Seagulls at the end of the season, however, a new challenge at a bigger club potentially appealing to him. Chelsea have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, although they are far from alone in expressing an interest.

Are Chelsea still in the mix?

According to Football Insider, the Blues are "ready to rival" Liverpool and Manchester United for the signing of Mac Allister in the summer transfer window. It is believed that Brighton would consider accepting a £60m offer, with a potential "bidding war" in the offing.

The Argentine could be a really astute summer signing by Chelsea, at a time when they could do with freshening up their midfield, considering N'Golo Kante turns 32 later this year, while Mateo Kovacic turns 29. He could be an ideal foil for those around him, proving to be a strong link between midfield and attack, having often taken up more of a No.10 role for the Seagulls this season.

Mac Allister has scored eight times in the Premier League, highlighting his ability to contribute end product from the middle of the park, while Sergio Aguero has described him as "very intelligent" player. The fact that he was named the 47th best player in the world in a list compiled by The Guardian earlier this year further speaks volumes about his quality and Chelsea signing him over their rivals could prove to be a real coup for whoever is manager next season.

It does appear that Everton could be in line for something of a mass exodus this summer, with a host of first-team players currently coming towards the end of their existing deals at Goodison Park.

Among those who could potentially depart on a free transfer is long-serving midfielder, Tom Davies, with the 24-year-old having become something of a peripheral figure at the club of late after initially rising up through the youth ranks.

While there have been claims that the Englishman could be offered an extension, The Athletic's Greg O'Keeffe revealed that the Liverpool-born dud may opt to refuse any potential new deal, having started just four Premier League games this season.

The 5 foot 11 man – who was the subject of interest from Glasgow Rangers back in January – had endured an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign after making just six top-flight appearances, with it perhaps time the £25k-per-week warrior seeks to revive his career elsewhere.

Manager Sean Dyche will still likely need to acquire a replacement for the former England U21 international, however, due to the lack of real depth in the centre of the park, albeit with it yet to be seen what budget the former Burnley boss will have amid the club's financial woes.

With that in mind, the 51-year-old may be better served turning to the academy set-up in order to find a successor to the departing Davies, with 18-year-old Jenson Metcalfe seemingly one such gem who could be a potential midfield star of the future.

Who is Jenson Metcalfe?

The teenager – who signed a new four-year deal with the Merseyside outfit back in September – is undoubtedly one of the most highly-rated assets that the club have on their books, having been hailed as a "good prospect" by journalist Patrick Boyland.

While the "talented" midfielder – as described by Boyland – has been limited to just six appearances at youth level this season after previously sustaining an ACL injury last year, the indication is that the Englishman could truly begin to thrive when back to full fitness.

The Wigan native has been with the Premier League side since joining at the age of five, with the club's official website hailing him as an 'energetic and technically-proficient central midfield player'.

Although the youngster is still waiting for a chance to shine in the first-team, the playmaker has previously scored four times and registered three assists in 31 games at U18 level, as well as making seven appearances for the U21s to date.

The promising gem has been earmarked as a player to keep an eye on in recent years after notably earning a place in the Guardian's Next Generation list in 2021, showcasing the top 20 young talents in the Premier League.

As journalist Andy Hunter noted at the time of that inclusion, the emerging starlet is a 'real competitor with an outstanding passing range', while going on to add that: 'Metcalfe can play off both feet, has impressive technical ability and is a dead-ball specialist. He can also score a variety of goals and intercepts or regains possession with fierce intensity.'

Those traits would likely be appealing to Dyche, with Metcalfe also describing himself as a "tempo-setter" as well as revealing his admiration for Spain and Barcelona icon, Sergio Busquets, due to the latter man being "so relaxed on the ball".

Evidently a player who likes to dictate proceedings but is also not afraid to shirk a challenge and get involved in an attacking sense, the £510-per-week sensation could well make Everton supporters forget all about that man Davies.

Former Spurs employee Ramon Planes 'could be tempted by an offer from Tottenham Hotspur' amid all the noise surrounding Fabio Paratici.

Paratici ban extended worldwide

Earlier this week, Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy were hit with the major announcement by FIFA that Paratici's Italian footballing ban has been extended worldwide. The club chief's alleged involvement in former club Juventus' recent financial scandal resulted in him being slapped with a 30-month Serie A ban but FIFA's message has now confirmed that this applies to the Premier League as well.

This news deeply affects Paratici's role as Tottenham sporting director with the 50-year-old no longer able to negotiate transfer dealings or even get materially involved in Spurs' search for a new manager. The Lilywhites parted company with Antonio Conte earlier this week as the north Londoners begin their quest to hire a permanent replacement.

Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason have been placed in temporary charge until the end of this season but news of Paratici's extended worldwide ban has given chairman Daniel Levy yet another conundrum to solve.

As a result of the Paratici news, some reports have already suggested that Spurs could hire a replacement, with Spanish sources now sharing an update on this front.

According to the report from the continent, it is believed that Tottenham are 'closely following' former Barcelona sporting director Planes, with La Liga side Real Betis also targeting the 55-year-old. It is also claimed that Planes 'could be tempted by an offer from Tottenham Hotspur' with the English side listed as an 'option' for the chief. A man in demand, it is also not completely ruled out that Barca come back in for their ex-employee.

Should Tottenham hire Planes?

The experienced sporting director has worked for clubs across Spain and was even attracting interest from Newcastle back in 2021. Perhaps most interestingly, Planes also held a brief role as Tottenham's technical secretary from between 2014 and 2015 when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge.

Indeed, Planes could be a solid candidate to potentially succeed Paratici if Spurs go down that route, not least because the official is familiar with both Spurs and manager target Pochettino.

As shared by Guillem Balague, both men have also worked together before at Espanyol, so the pair could already have a considerable rapport from their jobs side-by-side in past seasons. He is one who may well be worth considering for Spurs and Levy.